Epididymectomy is an effective treatment for scrotal pain after vasectomy.

Department of Urology, Freeman Hospital, Freeman Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of epididymectomy in patients with significant scrotal pain after vasectomy. PATIENT AND METHODS: Sixteen patients were identified retrospectively to have undergone epididymectomy for pain after vasectomy; 19 epididymectomies were performed (three bilateral and 13 unilateral). Details from the preoperative investigations, histological examination and follow-up of symptoms were analysed and correlated. Outcomes were initially assessed at the routine outpatient clinic review 3 months after surgery and the long-term outcomes were assessed by a telephone interview 3-8 years after epididymectomy (mean 5.5 years). RESULTS: Of the 16 patients, 14 had excellent initial symptomatic benefit from epididymectomy. At 3-8 years afterward, nine of 10 patients interviewed had a sustained improvement of their scrotal pain. The following were indicators of a poor outcome: atypical symptoms including testicular or groin pain; erectile dysfunction and normal appearance of the epididymis on ultrasonography. Patients with bilateral scrotal pain can have a good outcome after epididymectomy. CONCLUSION: Epididymectomy in well-selected patients is a reliable and effective treatment for pain after vasectomy.

PMID: 10848703 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]